§ 30. Mr. Rowsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the injustice caused to Miss Mann, of 1, Dakin Street, Stepney, as the result of her employer failing to put stamps on her health insurance card and subsequently becoming insolvent; and will he take steps to remedy such injustice in this case and other similar cases?
§ The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)Legal proceedings were instituted against the employer in this case, and the recovery of contributions, which is a matter for the Court, is proceeding as ordered by the Court. Payment of the outstanding arrears has been made on behalf of Miss Mann, and her title to benefit is therefore not affected. With regard to the last part of the question, I may add that employés have a statutory right of recovery from the employer of loss of benefit due to non-payment of contributions.
§ Mr. RowsonIn a case such as this, is it not a fact that the employer is the agent of the Government in collecting these contributions, and when he defaults it is not the duty of the Government to cover the member for any loss sustained?
§ Sir K. WoodI agree with the hon. Member that there is a difficulty, but this matter was examined by the Royal Commission, which considered, for instance, whether there should not be some fund created for the purpose, but they advised against that course. In this particular case, I am glad to say that the member concerned has had her contributions paid and that her right to benefit is not affected. The Court has ordered the employer to pay, and I understand the payment is being made.